Feral deer

Feral deer

Feral deer

Introduced to Australia in the 19th century for recreational hunting and farming, deer populations have since escaped into the wild, and have become a significant environmental concern in South Australia.

Several species exist in the state, with fallow deer being the most abundant in the Murraylands and Riverland region. Fallow deer are medium-sized with a highly variable coat colour, usually fawn with white spots, or dark brown. They have a plump rump patch outlined in black, and the black-topped tail is raised when alarmed. Mature male antlers are flattened at the top and feature numerous points.

Male deer can be highly aggressive during breeding season, posing a threat to humans and animals. Adult male bucks weigh between 50-100 kg, while female does can weigh between 35-55kg.

Deer are highly adaptive and reproduce rapidly, with females often giving birth to one or 2 fawns each year. Their diet includes a wide range of vegetation, such as native plants as well as crops and pastures.

Feral deer

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Berri office

28 Vaughan Terrace

8580 1800

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